Control Line: Aerobatics
FLY LIKE A CHAMPION: Part III. Square Loops. Let's kill a bunch of birds with one stone and talk about cornered maneuvers in general. The toughest part of cornered maneuvers and the source of the mistakes that will cost you the most points is the corner at the end of each vertical dive. To score well, you must execute these corners with precision, and anything you can do to simplify this task will reap huge dividends. Unfortunately, the vast majority of Stunters (including a legend or two) make these corners much harder than necessary through a misinterpretation of a maneuver description which has never existed-and I just reviewed every rule book since 1949 to assure myself of that fact.
Control Line: Aerobatics
BEFORE getting into a maneuver-by-manuever discussion of the pattern, I think it will be advantageous to discuss three general areas: pilot strategy in windy conditions; in calm air; and an understanding of what I call "horsepower maneuvers." Flying successfully in high winds produces two basic problems which must be overcome to the greatest degree possible. First, we must eliminate or reduce the speed buildup in consecutive downwind maneuvers and the concurrent reduction in responsiveness (Stunters don't turn as well in the wind); and, second, we must deal with poor penetration into the wind.
Control Line: Aerobatics
FLY LIKE A CHAMPION: Part I. In the last several months, we've talked together about designing and trimming a Stunt ship, and last month Lou Dudka and Glen Meador discussed the whys and wherefores of the popular Supertigre .60. As you read this, the beautiful spring weather should be pushing aside winter's doldrums and you are probably eager to get out to the field and try out all this newfound wisdom. If you are part of the vast majority of Stunt fans, this means you are probably going to go out and fly pretty much the same way as last year and, predictably, your results on the contest trail will most likely be a repeat of last year. Why, you may well ask, is this so since you're so much smarter than last year? Because, Bunky (as Bill Netzeband used to say), no matter how well-built, designed, and prepared your ship, and despite all the latest state-of-the-art "technology," in the final analysis Stunt is still a flying event and in order to be a champion you've gotta fly like a champion.
Designing the Imitation
THE Imitation was designed as a flying testbed to explore the soundness of a number of aerodynamic philosophies with which I had been experimenting through my "Citation" series of competition stunt aircraft. In addition, it was intended to be used to test the suitability for stunt purposes of a variety of the currently available very powerful Schnuerle-ported 40 engines. The Citation, although it has had an enviable contest record, including a third and a second at the last two National Championships, does have a couple of significant shortcomings which I felt had to be corrected before investing time and effort into a new competition airplane. First and foremost, it is too much of a thorough-bred, that is, although it is capable of outstanding performance, it is entirely too critical to trim adjustments and weather conditions. It is necessary to spend considerable time before a contest trimming and adjusting to the peculiarities of the contest site.
Control Line: Aerobatics
THOSE cards and letters just keep coming in! Although I had committed only last month's column to reader input on the Builder of the Model, Appearance Points and Skill Class questions, I continued to receive thoughtful letters well past my deadline for the February issue. Because their opinions are worthy of being heard, and because I don't wish to be accused of being discriminating (in the venal sense) against any of you who took the time to write on these issues, I'm going to give equal time to the feelings of Tim McCoy (San Carlos, CA), Jim Thomerson (Collinsville, IL), Steve Buso (Poughkeepsie, NY), and the old pro Rolland McDonald (Livonia, MI). Same rules apply as last month: I've edited their remarks in the interest of brevity while doing my best to retain the intent of their opinions; their remarks will be identified by their initials; and I'll present their comments grouped by subject matter.
